Railroad Traffic Safety and Enforcement NA17072lp

April 19, 2017

WHAT: News event to announce traffic enforcement initiatives directed at motorists and pedestrians who fail to abide by vehicle laws near or at railroad crossings.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 19, 2017 6 a.m.

WHERE: Department of Water and Power Metropolitan Water Facility 14031 South San Fernando Road Sylmar, CA 91342-1019

WHO: LAPD Captain Andrew Neiman, Commanding Officer, Valley Traffic Division LAPD Detective William Bustos, Officer-in-Charge, Valley Traffic Detectives Jorge Villaescusa, Police Officer, Union Pacific Railroad Police Department LAPD Motorcycle Officers

WHY: In the United States, a train collides with a vehicle or pedestrian approximately every three hours. In the City of Los Angeles, last year, there were 16 traffic collisions in the City of Los Angeles involving trains. Some of these collisions occurred because pedestrians and motorists did not abide by traffic laws.

In an effort to increase motorist and pedestrian safety near railroad tracks, law enforcement officers will aggressively enforce the state’s railroad crossing laws. Pedestrians, including students, must cross railroad crossings. During the news event, traffic safety tips will be provided to motorists and pedestrians to avoid becoming a rail collision statistic.

DETAILS: Visuals will include a Union Pacific locomotive which may be boarded by media representatives. A short train ride-a-long will be available for the media. Anyone riding the train is asked to wear at minimum a 6-inch-high laced up work boot with a defined heel. Media riders must sign a release of liability waiver. Officers will be citing individuals who do not abide by vehicle code laws at railroad crossings and right of ways.

CONTACT: For further information, please contact Detective Bustos at (818) 644-8021 or Media Relations at (213) 486-5910.